Toolstation NCEL Division One
Pontefract Collieries 4-0 Hall Road Rangers
Jordan’s the man for the big games. Pontefract Collieries striker Jordan Turner has scored hat-tricks against AFC Emley and now Hall Road Rangers. Picture: whiterosephotos.co.uk
Jordan Turner clearly relishes big games as he hit a hat-trick as Pontefract Collieries stormed to an emphatic and crucial win over promotion rivals Hall Road Rangers.
The result leaves Pontefract in charge of their own destiny going into their final five games.
Turner, who also scored a hat-trick against AFC Emley in January, led the Colls to victory with a brilliant display. The former Hallam striker’s opener was a stunner and possibly ranks as Pontefract’s goal of the season so far – it could also go down as their most important.
Although the end result was resounding, Pontefract had a shaky start as they had to weather relentless attacks from Hall Road in the opening half hour.
The wind was a major factor as Hall Road laid siege to Ponte’s goal. Ultimately Dave Ricardo’s men were made to rue a series of missed chances. Collieries goalkeeper Ben Saynor made an exceptional save from Jack Binns in the first wave of attacks.
Colls bosses Craig Parry and Craig Rouse tinkered with their system and it allowed the home side to settle and enable them to create their own chances.
As sucker punches go, Turner’s wonder strike was up there. Hall Road’s defence had no reason to be worried when Turner held the ball on the left of the penalty area. But somehow from a seemingly impossible angle, the striker sent a rasping effort into the stanchion
The second half saw Pontefract extend their lead straightaway as Turner pounced from close range.
It effectively killed Hall Road off and the visitors’ only real chance came via Tom Bennett. Saynor batted that away by making another good save.
The visitors were well and truly finished off in the final stages. Defensive lynchpin Luke Jeffs set up the third with a deep for Chris Jackson to convert.
Turner then capped a marvellous performance and day for the Colls by racing through to complete his treble.
First goal from this afternoon; @PonteCollsFC 1 @HRRFC 0 Jordan Turner (34) @TheBootifulGame @NCEL @NonLeagueCrowd @ThomasFeaheny a cracker pic.twitter.com/GNYMDbujSO
— Peter Fleming (@EastHullPete) March 18, 2017
Turner’s opener is probably Pontefract’s goal of the season. Picture: whiterosephotos.co.uk
King of the castle: Turner jumps into the arms of Pontefract assistant Craig Rouse. Picture: whiterosephotos.co.uk
A scramble in the Pontefract penalty area. Picture: whiterosephotos.co.uk
Turner converts Pontefract’s second goal. Picture: whiterosephotos.co.uk
Chris Jackson turns away after scoring for the Colls. Picture: whiterosephotos.co.uk
Turner sealed the win after breaking through on goal. Picture: whiterosephotos.co.uk
What They Said
Pontefract Collieries manager Craig Parry
Hall Road Rangers manager Dave Ricardo
The Teams
Pontefract Collieries: Saynor, Greenhough, Jeffs, Seed (captain), Williams, Clarke, Cotton (Dunn 69), Haigh (Stapleton 82), Turner, Jackson (Wood 76), Reece. Subs unused: Coyles, Stratford.
Hall Road Rangers: Dobson, Belcher, Whittington, Vernon, Dexter (captain), Piercy, Bennett, Binns (Reeson 67), Owen, Spinks (Perks 75), Batty. Subs unused: Brown, Grange.